An AWIPS image comparison of the 1-km resolution MODIS 3.7 Âµm and the 4-km resolution GOES-11 3.9 Âµm shortwave IR channels from around 06 UTC on 23 June (11 PM local time on 22 June) demonstrated the improved ability to detect many of the smaller fires using higher spatial resolution data (below) . In addition, the actual locations of the larger fires were more correctly depicted on the 1-km MODIS image; the comparatively large 4-km GOES IR field of view (and to a lesser extent, the large geostationary satellite viewing angle) tends to diminish the accuracy of such small-scale image details. Improved fire monitoring will eventually be possible using the Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI) instrument on the upcoming GOES-R satellite(scheduled to be launched in 2014), which will offer similar IR imagery at a 2-km spatial resolution (at 5-minute intervals on a routine basis).

UPDATE: A MODIS true color image from 24 June(below, displayed usingGoogle Earth) showed that the thick smoke had increased in areal coverage across much of northern California. MODIS Aerosol Optical Depth values as high as 1.0 were seen across much of the Sacramento Valley region of northern California; surface visibilities on that day at Redding and Red Bluff were as low as 1 mile due to smoke.